New Personal Evacuation Plans for High-Rise Homes
New national fire safety legislation comes into force this spring, and we’re making some changes to help keep everyone living in our high-rise buildings safe.
From April 2026, all housing providers must have Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) in place for customers who may need extra help to leave the building safely in an emergency.
We have five high-rise buildings where this new requirement applies:
- Blackshaw House
- Rogerstead House
- Fernstead House
- Rainford House
- Arundel Court
What is a RPEEP?
A RPEEP is a personalised evacuation plan for anyone who may find it difficult to leave their home quickly during a fire or other emergency.
Lifts can’t be used during a fire, so it’s important that anyone who may struggle with stairs has a clear, safe plan in place.
A RPEEP can help if you:
- Have mobility or balance difficulties
- Use a wheelchair or walking aid
- Have sight or hearing loss
- Live with a long-term health condition
- Take medication that affects your awareness or movement
- Would find it difficult to evacuate for any other reason
How are the plans are used?
With your consent, important information from your RPEEP will be shared with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). This helps firefighters understand the best way to support you during an emergency.
Your plan may include:
- Specialist alarms or equipment
- Advice about safe spaces in the building
- Extra fire safety measures inside your home
- Clear steps on what to do and where to go
Every plan is created with you, based on your needs and preferences.
What we're doing now
Over the coming months, the Building Safety Team will contact everyone living in a high-rise property to:
- Check if you may need a personalised evacuation plan
- Update any information we already hold
- Make sure the right support is in place
We‘ll also arrange a yearly review, so your plan stays up to date. It’s important that you allow access to speak to us, even if it is just to record that you won’t need a plan put in place.
Contact us
You don’t need to wait for us to call you.
If you think you may have difficulty evacuating the building in an emergency, or if your circumstances have changed, please contact us as soon as possible. This will help us understand your needs and make sure the right arrangements are in place to support you.
Call our Building Safety Team on 01204 328000 or email buildingsafety@beonehomes.com.
More safety advice on our website:
Did you know that our website includes an entire section that brings together all of our home safety advice and guidance, complete with short videos and how-to guides to keep you and your family safe?
It’s always worth a look to make sure you’re up to date.